Blog: Wes’s thoughts, articles, and insights

[ai_chat_window]

My most recent posts

Data management is improvisation

By Wes Trochlil | September 16, 2026

Data management is improvisation I was listening to a podcast recently featuring TV writer Rob Long. During the podcast he said (I’m paraphrasing) that, in order to be successful, one needs to learn to improvise, because nothing in life ever goes as planned. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you want to make God […]

Who own the AMS company is like the weather…

By Wes Trochlil | September 9, 2026

Who own the AMS company is like the weather… When I work with clients to find a new AMS, one of the most common questions I get is: “Is the software company owned by private equity or is it privately owned?” While I think this is a legitimate question to ask and have answered, it […]

“As good or better than me.”

By Wes Trochlil | September 2, 2026

“As good or better than me.” I was recently speaking with a software developer working on AI and we were discussing using natural language querying in an AMS. I told him, “The biggest challenge you face is that the first time the AI is wrong, staff will never use it again.” He agreed but then added: “The […]

Documentation is insurance

By Wes Trochlil | August 26, 2026

Documentation is insurance In a conversation with a client about their data management needs, the client pointed out that if they lost one or two key staff members, so much institutional knowledge would go with them that the association would have real difficulty managing their AMS. I recommended that they should document all of their key processes so […]

It all comes down to fundamentals

By Wes Trochlil | August 12, 2026

It all comes down to fundamentals I’m preparing for a webinar that I’m presenting in a couple of weeks, on using data to improve marketing and communications. This is a presentation (in one form or another) that I’ve made for nearly 20 years, and it includes an excellent case study of one association that dramatically improved their […]

Older Posts

Why IT projects fail

April 15, 2008

This article in TechNewsWorld, discusses the recent decision by the Census Bureau to abandon its use of handheld computers to […]

How Many Channels are You Using?

April 10, 2008

In the retail world, marketers often speak of "channels." Channels are the different methods of purchasing interaction between the customer […]

Be Honest with Yourself

April 8, 2008

Many years ago I was sitting in a meeting between a vendor and an association client. The vendor asked "How […]

Even the Big Guys Struggle with System Implementation

April 3, 2008

I think there is a common misconception among smaller organizations that somehow "big" companies don't have the same kinds of challenges with […]

"It's like trying too many perfumes…"

April 1, 2008

When I work with my clients on system selection, one thing I strongly advise them to do is limit the […]

"Always on purpose."

March 20, 2008

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ann Hamilton of Disney a few weeks ago. During our conversation, I asked […]

And speaking of backing up your data…

March 18, 2008

Yet another reason you want to be sure your backups are working… Disgruntled Employee Deletes Company's Files   (Hat tip, […]

Business Intelligence Survey Results

March 13, 2008

I recently conducted an unscientific survey of association executives, asking them what their plans are for business intelligence. Of the […]

User Adoption is a Problem Everywhere

March 11, 2008

Listening to a podcast from Voices of CRM recently, I was not surprised to learn that the number one problem […]

Scroll to Top